Forecasters said the storm is not likely to directly hit the island, but its outer periphery could bring showers to eastern Taiwan and mountainous areas in northern Taiwan and downpours to central and southern Taiwan.

Expected to come closest to Taiwan on Wednesday night, Leepi will also cause high waves along the island's eastern coast, the bureau cautioned.

Leepi, which means waterfalls in Lao, is the fourth storm of the 2013 Pacific typhoon season.